Technology

ABS and KATS Collaborate to Advance Smart Ship Technology and Equipment Certification

ABS and KATS Collaborate to Advance Smart Ship Technology and Equipment Certification

Sedat Onat
ABS and the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) have signed a collaboration protocol aimed at advancing international standardization of smart ship and smart shipyard technologies and harmonizing equipment certification processes.

ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) and Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to accelerate the integration of smart ship technologies into international standards and simplify certification processes for Korean equipment manufacturers. Through this collaboration, the two organizations will jointly address technical, operational, and regulatory standards for shipbuilding, maintenance and repair, and smart shipyard applications.


According to ABS, the MOU represents a critical step toward developing a common global framework for smart ship technologies. Given Korea's rapidly growing smart shipyard and equipment manufacturing ecosystem, standardization harmonization carries strategic importance for both maritime safety and competitive advantage.


Joint working program for international standardization

Under the agreement, ABS and KATS will:

  • Organize a series of joint workshops and seminars,

  • Share knowledge on smart ship and smart shipyard technologies,

  • Establish joint positions for the development of international standards,

  • Develop a conformity assessment framework for ship equipment certification processes.

This framework will help Korea-based manufacturers bring their products into faster compliance with ABS and other global regulatory requirements.


Accelerating equipment certification and harmonization

Certification of equipment used in smart ship technologies—including sensors, data-driven software, automation components, and cybersecurity modules—currently requires multi-stage processes across different institutions.

The ABS-KATS collaboration aims to deliver improvements in the following areas:

  • Shortening certification timelines,

  • Reducing duplicate testing and repeated inspections,

  • Accelerating Korean manufacturers' entry into the global market,

  • Clearer alignment with IMO and IACS requirements,

  • Strengthening safety and operational validation in smart ship solutions.


ABS: "Open dialogue and technical harmonization are critical"

John McDonald, ABS President and COO, commented on the collaboration:

"Open dialogue is essential for addressing technical, operational, and regulatory matters. We are pleased to have this opportunity with KATS and look forward to jointly developing efficiencies for smart technologies and equipment compatibility."

ABS holds a strong position of authority in the global maritime industry, particularly in:

  • classification,

  • technical advisory,

  • cybersecurity,

  • digital ship verification,

  • alternative fuel technologies

This collaboration also aligns with ABS's digital classing projects and smart ship roadmaps in the Asia-Pacific region.


KATS: Strategic support for Korea's smart ship ecosystem

As Korea's national standards body, KATS is working to strengthen international alignment in both ship equipment and advanced digital technologies. With major Korean shipyards—Hyundai, Samsung, and Hanwha Ocean among them—leading the world in smart ship programs, this collaboration will create faster certification advantages for Korean manufacturers in the global market.


This MOU aims to strengthen export channels by enhancing international compatibility of equipment in line with Korea's "smart shipyard" vision.


Key Points:

  • ABS and KATS have signed an MOU for the international standardization of smart ship and smart shipyard technologies.

  • Objective: To accelerate and harmonize certification processes for Korea-based equipment manufacturers.

  • Joint workshops, seminars, and a conformity assessment framework will be developed.

  • The MOU will strengthen compliance with IMO and IACS requirements.

  • The ABS-KATS collaboration will accelerate verification of safety and data-driven systems in smart ships.


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News Link: https://en.portnews.ru/news/384150/

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Author: SedatOnat.com

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